Burnley Football Club, a proud institution with a rich history, has experienced its fair share of ups and downs in the Premier League. As a club that has been relegated and promoted multiple times, Burnley’s presence in the top flight has often been a story of overcoming adversity. However, amid these challenges, there have been some truly remarkable seasons where the Clarets punched well above their weight. Let’s take a look at Burnley’s best-ever Premier League seasons, where they defied the odds and made a mark on the top division of English football.

2017-18: The Season That Surprised Everyone

Arguably Burnley’s best Premier League season came in the 2017-18 campaign. After securing a place in the top flight in 2014, the club had experienced its fair share of struggles, particularly during their relegation in the 2014-15 season. But by 2017, under the leadership of Sean Dyche, Burnley had solidified its place in the Premier League and was ready to take the next step.

The 2017-18 season began with a sense of optimism, but few could have predicted just how successful the campaign would be. Burnley finished in 7th place, a remarkable achievement for a club that was expected to battle relegation rather than push for European football. With a strong defense and a pragmatic approach to matches, Burnley collected 54 points, their highest ever total in the Premier League era.

What made this season particularly special was Burnley’s ability to compete against some of the biggest teams in the league. They secured notable wins against the likes of Liverpool, Everton, and Chelsea. Their defensive stability was key to their success, with goalkeeper Nick Pope stepping in for the injured Tom Heaton and impressing with a series of outstanding performances. Pope’s consistency helped Burnley keep 12 clean sheets, contributing significantly to their top-half finish.

In addition to their defensive resilience, Burnley had players like Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes leading the attack. Wood’s goals proved to be vital, and Barnes’ combative style of play provided the team with an added physicality in the final third. The team’s work ethic and discipline under Dyche’s leadership were key components of their top-seven finish, and they ultimately earned a spot in the 2018-19 UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds, marking the first time in over half a century that the club had European football to look forward to.

2019-20: Solidifying Premier League Status with a Strong Finish

The 2019-20 season wasn’t as spectacular as 2017-18, but it was a season that cemented Burnley’s place as a solid Premier League team under Sean Dyche. After a mixed start to the campaign, Burnley finished in 10th place, securing 54 points, the same total as their best-ever Premier League finish. This season showed the Clarets’ ability to maintain consistency over a long, challenging season.

Burnley’s form picked up significantly after the turn of the year, with the club going on a strong unbeaten run that helped them pull away from relegation danger. The team’s resilience was evident, with Burnley often winning key matches against teams in the bottom half of the table. Key to their success was a solid defensive foundation, once again led by Nick Pope, who had another excellent season in goal, earning his place in the England squad.

In attack, Burnley had a reliable duo in Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes, with Wood scoring a respectable 14 goals and Barnes contributing his usual work rate and physicality. The partnership between the two provided Burnley with a balance between creativity and hard work, which proved effective against tougher Premier League opposition.

Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Burnley managed to finish comfortably in mid-table, proving that they were no longer a club battling relegation but a well-established Premier League side capable of competing at this level year after year.

2014-15: A Glimpse of Premier League Potential

While Burnley’s relegation at the end of the 2014-15 season might not immediately seem like a highlight, that campaign remains significant in the club’s Premier League history. The Clarets had just been promoted from the Championship and were expected to struggle in their return to the top flight. However, under manager Sean Dyche, Burnley gave a good account of themselves, showing they had the potential to compete in the Premier League.

Although Burnley finished 19th and were relegated after just one season in the top flight, they showed resilience, especially at home. Turf Moor became a tough place for visiting teams, with Burnley picking up key points against stronger opposition. In particular, they earned victories against Southampton, Hull City, and a memorable 2-1 win over Manchester City, showing that they could challenge even the biggest clubs when at their best.

Although the season ended in relegation, Burnley’s competitive performances made it clear that, under Dyche, they could bounce back and compete at the highest level once more. And that’s exactly what happened—Burnley returned to the Premier League in 2016 and have remained ever since, with the 2014-15 season serving as a foundation for their subsequent success.

2020-21: The Survival Season

The 2020-21 season was one of survival, but it demonstrated the resilience and determination that Burnley have become known for under Sean Dyche. Burnley finished in 17th place, just six points clear of the relegation zone. While it wasn’t a season of glamour or high-profile performances, it was a season of grit and determination, and Dyche’s men ensured they remained a Premier League side for the 2021-22 season.

This season was marked by defensive solidity and the ability to grind out results. The Clarets had a difficult time scoring goals but managed to pick up important points with their resolute defense and team spirit. Nick Pope was once again a standout performer, and Burnley’s ability to keep clean sheets was crucial in their fight to stay up. Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes continued to lead the line, though the team’s overall lack of goals meant they were often reliant on tight, one-goal victories or draws.

Though it wasn’t the most exciting season for Burnley fans, the 2020-21 campaign showcased the team’s resilience in the face of adversity, ensuring that they would live to fight another season in the Premier League.

Conclusion: A Club That Continues to Defy Expectations

Burnley’s best Premier League seasons have been a mix of unexpected success, solid foundations, and a resilient team spirit. From their surprise 7th-place finish in 2017-18 to their resilient survival efforts in other campaigns, the club has consistently shown that they can compete in England’s top flight. Despite their relatively small budget and limited resources compared to other Premier League clubs, Burnley’s success is a testament to Sean Dyche’s managerial acumen and the hard work and determination of the players.

As the club continues to build its future in the Premier League, the memories of these standout seasons will remind Burnley fans that their club has what it takes to compete at the highest level, even when the odds are stacked against them.